Help with pistols

[CJB762]

I recently started shooting my pistols more, mainly due to the cops being called when we go and shoot at the farm. The problem is no matter which pistol I take to the indoor range I'm always shooting left to low left. Is there a way to see just where the pistol is shooting without buying another gun vise. I'm not blaming the equipment because no matter which one I take the results are the same. I'm shooting about 15yds and for the most part the groups are about 2-2 1/2 ". I grew up hunting and served in the military so rifles are not a problem. I just don't have a lot of experience with pistols. Any advice would be helpful.

 

[fivepointstar]

how far low left. I say if your groups are 2-2.5" at 15 yrds there isn't a problem.

 

[CJB762]

On average about 3" left and about 3" low.

 

[E.Shell]

Here is the standard diagnostic chart, but that doesn't help, chances are your grip needs a little work.
http://is-lan.com/challenge/images/Pistol-Correction.pdf

 

[Tungsten]

Throw a cheap laser on it and watch where the dot goes as you pull the trigger.
It could help you fix your part of the equation and you dont have to waste rounds doing it.

 

[Sticky]

Just a thought.. have another shooter at the range (preferably one that is proficient with a handgun) try your pistol and see how they do.

 

[StantonCree]

 

[Blaster229]

No matter the size of the group, if it isn't center where you think you are aiming, then there is an issue.
Most will say you are anticipating the shot and trying to physically counter the recoil. Or, for one reason or another your first shot is landing there and you are getting tunnel vision to "shoot the group" instead of concentrating on the center of the target for the remaining shots.
Impossible to say without seeing you shoot.

 

[Blaster229]

Throw a cheap laser on it and watch where the dot goes as you pull the trigger.
It could help you fix your part of the equation and you dont have to waste rounds doing it.

Take the cheap laser after you buy it and throw it right in the trash. His issue could be recoil and in that case a laser will not help.
Lasers have no part in diagnosing shooting issues. Just sayin

 

[mopar92]

Put a reverse B27 about 50 yards away at the farm. Acquire sight picture and concentrate on not disturbing it during dry fire. Then have your friend or someone with a pulse insert a round in the chamber or not. The tip is not to let you know. Then, work from there. Distance is harder but better, it'll be frustrating but you'll get a much better understanding of what's going on.

 

[CJB762]

The grip probably has a lot to do with it. I noticed when I put more finger on the trigger the shots do come up. But the shots are still left. I guess another question I have is, what are the standards for pistol accuracy? Am I trying to apply rifle accuracy standards to pistol shooting?

 

[mopar92]

For a COMBAT style gun.
Glock, SIG, USGI style 1911, etc., etc. you should be expect a roughly 2" group at 25 yards.

This is BENCHRESTED for maximum accuracy. Out of your hands you should expect to double that.

That's ideal with unicorns and fairy dust. I typically settle in at a 2" group at 10 yards when shooting at speed from a holster. I've been witnessed (PM Lou45) having rounds touching (double taps) moving and shooting.
Now slow fire? I look like a shotgun with birdshot at 100 yards . But slow fire doesn't matter, I'm not a bullseye shooter.

 

[CJB762]

I don't pay much attention to where the rounds are hitting until the mag is finished. I just try to concentrate on sight picture and aim point. Then check the grouping at the end.

 

[Vile Shadow]

Take the cheap laser after you buy it and throw it right in the trash. His issue could be recoil and in that case a laser will not help.
Lasers have no part in diagnosing shooting issues. Just sayin

If he has adjustable sights and they're off, the laser should at least help with that. Right?

 

[trickg]

Take the cheap laser after you buy it and throw it right in the trash. His issue could be recoil and in that case a laser will not help.
Lasers have no part in diagnosing shooting issues. Just sayin

I thought that laser sights were the bomb-diggity...until I saw a few folks shoot with them. (Personally, I've never owned any) It's not like the movies where the laser stays dead on whatever you are shooting at - it dances all over the place, and most of the time the shots are just as all over the place.

 

[ProShooter]

Spend an hour with a decent instructor.....he will fix you up

 

[Mr Bear]

Since it doesn't seem to matter which pistol you take to the range, I believe it's most likely your shooting mechanics (grip & trigger pull). Don't know what pistols you're shooting, but trigger pull not straight back/smoothly & your grip may be a little loose.

It sounds like you're at least being consistent with the shot placement. I was shooting slightly to the left at 12-15 yds. While dry firing, I noticed the slightest movement to the left when the trigger released, so I've been working on a firmer grip with a smoother trigger pull, which seems to be correcting the problem.

Go to the range, either take a sandbag or borrow one from the range. Support the pistol on the bag such that side to side & vertical movement are virtually nill. Now squeeze off 5 rounds or so, observing shot placement. If you're still shooting left, then look into moving your rear sights slightly to the right, but if shots are hitting at the point of aim, then you & not the gun have the issue.

I've also read & talked to shooters having the same problem when they go from heavier pistols to lighter polymer pistols. Takes some adjustment because the polymers lack the weight that assists with recoil management, plus a firmer grip is needed, & the proper trigger motion is more important.

 

[fivepointstar]

Spend an hour with a decent instructor.....he will fix you up

this!!!

 

[StantonCree]

You should buy something awesome and expensive so that way we can buy it for 50% off in the classifieds later

 

[Blaster229]

If he has adjustable sights and they're off, the laser should at least help with that. Right?

Lasers need to be sighted to the sights. Bench the gun, take a shot, walk laser to the hole.